Djibouti sits at the mouth of the Red Sea and anchors a compact but strategically important economy in the Horn of Africa. Port activity, regional services and small-scale industry shape where income and investment concentrate among its towns and cities.
There are 6 Richest Cities in Djibouti, ranging from Ali Sabieh to Tadjourah. For each place, you’ll find below Country,Population (people),Estimated GDP per capita (USD) — the simple columns used so you can compare size and per‑person output; see the details you’ll find below.
How is GDP per capita estimated for cities in Djibouti?
City-level GDP per capita is usually calculated by estimating a city’s total economic output (from local services, trade, port activity and other sectors) and dividing that by its population; because detailed local accounts are rare, analysts often rely on administrative data, satellite indicators or pro-rata shares of national figures, so treat these numbers as indicative rather than exact.
Should I use population or GDP per capita to compare wealth between these cities?
Use both: GDP per capita shows average economic output per person and hints at living standards, while population and total output indicate market size and overall economic weight; comparing both gives a fuller picture and helps spot places that are small but wealthy per person versus large but less affluent on a per‑head basis.
Richest Cities in Djibouti
| City | Country | Population (people) | Estimated GDP per capita (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Djibouti | Djibouti | 600,000 (2023) | 7,500 |
| Ali Sabieh | Djibouti | 50,000 (2023) | 3,000 |
| Tadjourah | Djibouti | 20,000 (2020) | 3,500 |
| Obock | Djibouti | 7,500 (2023) | 3,200 |
| Arta | Djibouti | 12,000 (2023) | 4,000 |
| Damerjog | Djibouti | 5,000 (2023) | 5,000 |
Images and Descriptions
Djibouti
The capital and main port hub, Djibouti concentrates logistics, container terminals (Doraleh), multinational firms and several foreign military bases. These activities lift incomes and property values above national averages. (Proxy used: port throughput, terminal revenue and national GDP per capita uplifted for urban concentration.)
Ali Sabieh
Border city serving Ethiopia trade routes and regional administration. Road and rail transit, customs services and cross-border commerce concentrate jobs and small businesses, giving residents higher incomes than rural districts. (Proxy used: transport corridor traffic and trade turnover near border crossings.)
Tadjourah
Historic port town on the Gulf of Tadjoura with ferry links to Djibouti City, fishing, salt exports and growing tourism. Port services and visitor spending raise local income levels versus inland areas. (Proxy used: port activity and tourism receipts.)
Obock
Strategic small port at the Red Sea entrance with government and naval facilities, limited commercial shipping and fishing. Public sector presence and port-related services support incomes higher than many rural settlements. (Proxy used: port/naval facility employment and government spending.)
Arta
Coastal regional town that hosts presidential retreat areas and attracts weekend tourism; local administration, hospitality and higher-value real estate bring above-average incomes compared with surrounding rural areas. (Proxy used: government investment, tourism activity and property-value indicators.)
Damerjog
Emerging industrial and logistics zone south of the capital planned as a Special Economic Zone and port/industrial site. Large public and foreign investments and new jobs are raising per-capita income above nearby rural communities. (Proxy used: SEZ investment commitments and planned capacity.)
